STEVEN GERRARD led Liverpool to their greatest triumph in two decades last night - then declared he intended to stick around to try to repeat the feat.

Gerrard's future was the subject of intense speculation all season. But he finally nailed the rumours after raising the European Cup, and declared he wanted to help forge a new Anfield dynasty.

"How can I leave after a night like this and the type of nights I have experienced this season?" he said.

So thrilled was the skipper at lifting the trophy that he admitted: "I slept with the cup in my room last night. I did not want it out of my sight. When I woke up this morning and someone took it away I felt I had lost a part of me."

He went on: "My form has been hot and cold all season because I have been stressed but I am going to put that to bed this summer and we will see a different player next season.

"We are going to talk real soon. I am sure that the manager and Rick Parry will sit down really soon and I am sure a decision will be made."

Gerrard then appealed for UEFA to allow the new European Champions to defend their crown next season.

"At half-time I thought it was going to be impossible," he added. "We had a mountain to climb but we did it. We have beaten some top teams to win it and no-one can take that away.

"I just hope that people will let us defend it. It's called the Champions League so the champions should be allowed to defend it."

Gerrard revealed that it was the half time changes made by boss Rafael Benitez which turned an amazing game on its head.

"We played a fantastic team who in the first half controlled the game and found themselves three goals up.

"There were a few heads down at half time, but the manager made a few changes and got a bit of belief into us.

"We were a different side in the second half. An early goal changed it. "In extra time we were running on empty and just playing for penalties. We were massive under-dogs at the beginning of the competition and I hold my hand up and admit I didn't think we would win it.

"But we wouldn't be beaten tonight."

Gerrard also had a special word of praise for the astonishing turn-out of around 40,000 Liverpool supporters inside the Ataturk Stadium.

He said: "The fans have saved up for weeks and months to come here. The Liverpool fans are crazy and I am really happy for them.